Families in need after fire

Post 19 had a guest speaker at our meeting this weekend. Bernadette Ferrara, President of the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance spoke about a fire in the neighborhood and the families in need of assistance. Post 19 will be making a monetary donation, but Bernadette explains below how anyone else can help out.

Hello everyone,

On Tuesday, December 14th at 7:45 pm, the Van Nest Community was hit with a tragic blow as three homes went up in flames! All of the members of the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance including our Executive Board live in Van Nest. It is times like these where we as a community must help each other. 611 Mead Street is where the fire started and is 100% lost. The other two homes, 609 and 613 Mead Street are able to be repaired. 15 families were displaced, 33 individuals (26 adults and 7 children). No fatalities and four injuries. Our block is fortunate that the FireFighters were there immediately. It took them 2 -1/2 hours to put out the flames and until the next morning to secure the whole area of burning embers on the trees and on the close buildings. The Red Cross was there quickly to assist the families and relocate them to nearby hotels for temporary housing and give disaster assistance for both health services and disaster mental health/trauma needs. An investigation is ongoing.

We connected with the Red Cross Supervisor, who informed us that each family has a caseworker. The VNNA has extended help information that was given to each family through their caseworker. Presently five families have reached out and many have lost everything.

If you are able to donate, my number for Zelle is 917-498-5786. Please put Van Nest Fire Donation in the subject. Gift cards are also welcomed and can be mailed to Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance, c/o Bernadette Ferrara, 636 Van Nest Avenue, Bronx, NY 10460.

Feel free to call me personally with any questions, at 917-498-5786.

Thank you for caring.

Have a blessed Holiday Season.